What is history?

Before we get too far into this blog, I would like to take an opportunity to define history. My definition of history derives from the welcome lecture of one of my undergraduate professors at Fairmont State University in Fairmont, West Virginia - Dr. Patrick Albano.

For many history is nothing more than a study of the past and while this definition is accurate, it is far from complete. History as a study of the past is a misconception and too simple a definition. History is a critical inquiry of the cultural, economic, political and social contexts of the past with an eye to the future. In this critical inquiry, history seeks to find the truth. Truth authenicates events and validates history. Only in truth can history exist and only through truth, has history led us to where we are today. It will continue leading us to the future.

A second misconception of history is that history repeats itself. It is true that certain events in history seem to repeat themselves by resembling other events. World War I and World War II are good examples, but in truth, no two events in history have ever been the same. Each historical event has it's own causes, its own outcome, and its own effects.

In seeking the truth, the historian wears many hats. First, the historian is a detective researching thousands of documents to find the elusive truth. Second, the historian is a judge deciding which documents and artifacts are relevant and which are simply unimportnat to his or her cause. Lastly, a historian is a lawyer defending his or her research, findings and conclusions.

Everything has a history and history covers everything. Even history has a history. The history of history is called historiography. As a discipline, history can be divided into several subfields. Some of the more common subfields are written, oral, comparative, diplomatic/military, psychohistory, and specialty history. Specialty history includes such topics as public history and revisionist history.

A third misconception of history is that history is dead. According to Dr. Albano, some historians will argue that history is dead because there is nothing left to write about. No new ideas are being put forth. I disagree. History is an evolutionary study. It is an interpretation of the facts. As new facts are discovered, history has the potential to re-write and correct itself, and everyday new discoveries are made (see post dated 10/31/08).

History is alive and well.